A GOOD RIBBING: The first-ever Windy City Ribs Festival serves up BBQ from eight different ribs vendors, including Chicago's Robinson's Ribs and Fireplace Inn, along with sizzling spots from the suburbs, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Texas. You'll be able to vote for your faves, while a full musical lineup, featuring headliners Cowboy Mouth on Saturday and Hi Infidelity on Sunday, provides the entertainment. Sat. and Sun. 12-10 p.m., $7.
Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., at Ogden; West Loop; 773-584-6668
THRILL OF THE HUNT: Join the "A Night on the Prowl," competitive bar crawl in Wicker Park tonight for cheap swill ($2 Blatz, $4 frozen margaritas at Salud Tequila Lounge and $3 Jameson shots at Evil Olive), plus the chance to win prizes like a signed Wilco album or a Trek bike. Sat. 7 p.m.-12 a.m., no cover.
Begin your hunt at Cans Bar and Canteen, 1640 N. Damen Ave., at Concord Place; Wicker Park; 773-227-2277
HAND IN HAND: Spend a balmy weekend evening sipping on the chic patio at River North hot spot A Mano, where you can score $5 featured seasonal cocktails on Saturday and half-priced bottles of wine on Sunday. Pair either with one of the light-as-air artisan pizzas or a savory salumi platter. Viva la Italia!
335 N. Dearbon St., at Carroll; River North; 312-629-3500.
